Stone Company reported net income of $2,536 million in 2016. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during 2016 was 554 million shares. Brook paid $80 million in dividends on preferred stock, which was convertible into 20 million shares of common stock.

How much is basic earnings per share amount for 2016?

Question 2 options:

a)

$ 4.58

b)

$ 4.43

c)

$ 4.27

d)

$ 4.42